The wedding of the municipalities of Saint-Denis and Pierrefitte-sur-Seine, scheduled for January 1, 2025, is causing controversy among some individuals. The engagement was formalized on May 30, after a joint municipal council meeting between the two cities in Seine-Saint-Denis. The decision was made by the mayors of the two cities, Mathieu Hanotin and Michel Fourcade, who proposed the creation of a new unified municipality. This new “super city” will become the second largest in the Paris region after Paris itself, with a total population of around 150,000 residents. Many observers and local residents are questioning the motives behind this union, with some feeling that Pierrefitte is being absorbed rather than truly merged with Saint-Denis.
Critics, including Christian Boutin, President of the Stop Fusion association, argue that the merger was imposed without proper consideration and long-term impact assessment. The new municipality will be named Saint-Denis, with Mathieu Hanotin as the mayor, at least until the municipal elections in 2026. Michel Fourcade, who was Hanotin’s deputy when he was a member of parliament, will hold the title of “delegated mayor” of Pierrefitte and serve as the first deputy mayor of the new municipality. The process of the merger has sparked concerns about the lack of transparency and public consultation, leading to opposition from various stakeholders in both communities.
The decision to create a new municipality has raised questions about the future governance and administration of the merged cities. Some residents and local officials feel that the decision was rushed and did not take into account the opinions and concerns of those directly affected by the merger. The lack of a long-term impact study has also fueled skepticism about the benefits and drawbacks of the union, with critics worried about potential consequences for the residents of Pierrefitte. The controversy surrounding the merger has highlighted the challenges of local governance and decision-making in the face of major structural changes.
Despite the controversy and opposition, the mayors of Saint-Denis and Pierrefitte remain committed to the creation of the new municipality. The merger is seen as a strategic move to create a larger and more influential city that can compete on a regional level with other municipalities. The decision to unify the two cities reflects a broader trend of consolidating smaller municipalities into larger administrative units in order to streamline governance and service delivery. The success of the merger will depend on the ability of the new municipality to address the concerns and needs of all residents, and to ensure that the interests of both communities are adequately represented in the decision-making process.
In conclusion, the upcoming wedding of Saint-Denis and Pierrefitte-sur-Seine has sparked controversy and debate among residents and officials in both cities. The decision to create a new municipality has raised concerns about transparency, consultation, and the long-term impact of the merger. While some see the union as a strategic move to create a larger and more influential city, others fear that it will result in the absorption of Pierrefitte by Saint-Denis. The success of the merger will depend on the ability of the new municipality to address the concerns of all residents and ensure that both communities are adequately represented in the decision-making process.
